Free patterns
The Handiness of a Tiny Pincushion, with Free Pattern
Sharp-eyed readers may notice some similarities between the covers of the books I’ve done: they all have sewing tools on the cover, and some tools feature on all three covers. In particular, The Dressmaker’s Companion and Zero Waste Sewing have a round blue pincushion (the free pattern for which is here). I was very keen…
Read MoreLiterally, Wearing a Square
Curiosity overcame me during the week, and I tried out the square-shaped top I had in my sketchbook, originally from Pinterest. I was very interested to see what it would look like on a body. For fabric, I had some striped soft double-knit that Mum gave me. The stripes are narrow on one side and…
Read MorePresenting the Zero Waste Bra Pattern
Here’s the pattern for the zero waste bra I’ve been working on. The previous posts about this project are: June 2021 when I thought I could make a bra; this led to a zero waste bra in one size but I put the project aside; then I picked it up again some weeks ago; last…
Read MoreFree pattern: Oven Mitt (minimal waste)
Finally! Allow me to unveil the pattern for the kitchen accessory of the year. Presenting…the minimal waste oven mitt. Streamlined, glamorous, modern and yet functional, it has restored domestic harmony to the Haywood kitchen and could do the same for you. I’ve been using it for the past week and I think I’ve found my…
Read MoreFree pattern: water bottle holder
This pattern appeared in my newsletter a few years ago, and the ones we made have been so spectacularly useful that I thought I’d share it as a blog post. I made them with my children, and they’ve taken them on school camps, on walks, to swimming and on their bikes. My children made their…
Read MoreThe scrubs hat challenge
My friend Belinda, a health care worker in Victoria, has been making scrubs hats for her co-workers. She wondered if it was possible to make a no-waste scrubs hat? Preferably one that’s quick and easy! Zero waste hats are tricky because our heads are round, curves take a bit more thinking to work out, and…
Read MoreMaking a scrap-busting heat bag
During the week I made a couple of heat bags designed for the neck and shoulders. I made them out of scraps. Wait a minute, don’t I only do zero waste? Why am I doing things with scraps? Yes, I do generate scraps, but now they’re all of the useable rectangular type. Typically they’re the…
Read MoreMaking a zero waste bra
Last week I shared my bra-making exploits which led to trying to make a zero waste bra pattern. The prototype got worn this week. The fit was fine and the pattern works – Yay! There were some problems to report though: I used an elastic that was too rough next to the skin and I…
Read MoreBrrrr! A sundress in June
Yep, it’s a bit chilly for sundress wearing here in southern Australia, but I made this dress as a Sew together for Summer Instagram sewing challenge. Obviously the theme works better for the Northern Hemisphere! The idea is to sew a sundress and post a photo using #sewtogetherforsummer. If you also use #s21entry, you could…
Read MoreFree pattern: zero waste ruffle tank
It’s been nearly a year since this blog offered a free pattern, so ladies and gentlemen, I give you the zero waste ruffle tank. The ruffle tank is a summer top in 15 sizes, and very simple to make. UPDATE: I’ve since made this top as a dress here. It suits lightweight fabrics such as…
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